Mount Evans Day Trip: Highest Paved Road at 14,271 ft

Red Rocks, a mountain pass, a historic mining town, and the summit of Mount Evans in one day

A full-day tour from Denver to Mount Evans (also called Mount Blue Sky) combines three distinct landscapes: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the scenic drive through Clear Creek Canyon, and the 14,271-foot summit reached by the highest paved road in North America. The itinerary includes 40 minutes at Red Rocks, a photo stop in Clear Creek Canyon, lunch in the historic town of Idaho Springs, and 25 minutes at the alpine lake near the summit. A live English-speaking guide leads groups of at least four passengers in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour runs 8 hours and includes bottled water and admission.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre40m
2. Mount Evans25m · entry included

Mount Blue Sky and Surroundings Tour

• Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Drive through Clear Creek Canyon
• Photo stop in Idaho Springs
• Lunch in Idaho Springs
• Drive Mount Evans Scenic Byway
• Reach Mount Evans summit
• Enjoy time at the lake
• Stop at Echo Lake Park

The experience

Mount Evans stands at 14,271 feet and anchors the day, but the route there is what makes the tour work. You start at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the red sandstone venue west of Denver, then drive into Clear Creek Canyon for a photo stop before reaching Idaho Springs, a former mining town where you'll have lunch. The real climb begins on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, the paved road that gains elevation steadily toward the summit. At the top, you get 25 minutes at the alpine lake to take in views of distant peaks, glacier valleys and the mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots that live at that altitude.

The 8-hour day is shaped by the road itself: the drive up and back takes time, and the stops are built in to break it up. Echo Lake Park marks your last bathroom stop before the descent to Denver. Bring layers and a warm jacket: the temperature drops as you climb, and altitude sickness is possible, so the operator recommends avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before departure. The tour runs year-round, but the top five miles of road close on September 7 each season. The lower section stays open until October 5 depending on weather. Road closures or severe weather can cancel or modify the tour, and a minimum of four passengers is required to run the departure.

What’s included

• Admission to Mount Evans and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide.
• 40 minutes at Red Rocks, a photo stop in Clear Creek Canyon, lunch time in Idaho Springs, and 25 minutes at the alpine lake near the summit.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 27 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ilimo

Is this one for you?The live English-speaking guide delivers the commentary throughout the 8-hour day, so anyone comfortable with a guided tour in English can follow the stops and the landscape. The tour requires a minimum of four passengers to depart, so you'll travel with a small group rather than alone.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals might I see on Mount Evans?

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots and birds live at the summit and along the alpine slopes. The wildlife depends on the season and the weather on the day you visit.

Is lunch included in the Mount Evans tour?

Lunch is not included. You'll have time to eat in Idaho Springs, the historic town partway up the mountain, and you can purchase food there.

When does the road to Mount Evans close for the season?

The top five miles of the Mount Evans Scenic Byway close on September 7 each year. The lower section of the road remains open until October 5, depending on weather conditions.

Can I do this tour if I have altitude sickness concerns?

The summit sits at 14,271 feet, so altitude sickness is possible. The operator recommends avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before departure and dressing warmly in layers. If you have cardiovascular concerns or spinal injuries, this tour is not recommended.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes admission to Mount Evans, bottled water, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide. Lunch and gratuities are not included.